📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ultimate pizzeria-style indulgence right from your countertop with these pillowy, golden-brown breadsticks. By utilizing the rapid circulation of the air fryer, we achieve a crisp outer crust and a soft, airy interior in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional oven. Infused with aromatic garlic, nutty parmesan, and a hint of Italian herbs, these are the perfect crowd-pleasing snack for game nights or a cozy pasta dinner.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough
- 3/4 cups Warm water (105-110°F; warm to the touch but not hot)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar (to feed the yeast)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (fine grain)
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves Garlic (very finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder (for extra punch)
The Finish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Marinara sauce (warmed, for dipping)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
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2
Add the olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a paddle attachment until a shaggy paste forms.
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3
Gradually add the remaining cup of flour. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium-low for 5 minutes. If by hand, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
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4
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
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5
While the dough rises, prepare the garlic butter by whisking together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
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6
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle roughly 1/2 inch thick.
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7
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. You should get approximately 10-12 breadsticks.
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8
Gently twist each strip a few times for a rustic look, or leave them straight. Arrange them on a piece of parchment paper and let them rest for another 10 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
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9
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a little oil or use a perforated parchment liner.
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10
Place the breadsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch (you will likely need to work in batches). Brush the tops generously with half of the garlic butter mixture.
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11
Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. Halfway through (around the 4-minute mark), quickly brush with a little more butter to keep them moist.
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12
Remove the breadsticks once they are a beautiful golden brown. Immediately brush them with the remaining garlic butter while they are piping hot.
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13
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the hot breadsticks so the cheese adheres to the butter.
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14
Serve immediately while warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always check your yeast; if it doesn't foam in the first step, it's likely expired and the bread won't rise. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; the air needs to circulate around all sides of the breadstick for an even bake. If the dough is too springy and keeps shrinking back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten. For a softer, 'United States' style crust, brush with a little milk before air frying. Substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour if you prefer a chewier, more substantial texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a classic Spaghetti Carbonara or Lasagna for a complete Italian meal. Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a crisp Italian lager. Provide a variety of dips like warm Marinara, creamy Alfredo, or a spicy Arrabbiata sauce. Serve as an appetizer for a pizza night with friends and family. Great as a snack alongside a fresh Caesar salad with plenty of dressing.